Page 49 - SAPREF 50 year

• In 2002 the FCCU was fitted with third- and fourth-stage separators at a cost of R27million to reduce stack particulate emissions by 85%.
• In 2002 SAPREF installed a Clean Storm Water unit at a cost of R22million to ensure that storm water leaving the site complies with the storm water specifications of the authorities.
• In 2005, we initiated a Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) programme with SNC Lavalin to identify and quantify sources of fugitive volatile organic compounds emissions within the refinery. Since initiation, the LDAR programme has resulted in a year-on-year decrease in the leak rate due to fugitive emissions. To facilitate this initiative, SAPREF was the first South African refinery to invest in an FLIR camera at a cost of R1million.
• In 2008 SAPREF initiated a programme to upgrade 210 pumps at a cost in excess of R25million. These pumps were upgraded by replacing their single seals with dual seals, reducing fugitive emissions from these pumps and more importantly reducing the risk of a loss of primary containment from these pumps due to a single seal failure (two protective barriers instead of one). This project was executed in record time and was concluded in 2011.
• In 2008 SAPREF initiated an independent Fenceline Monitoring Programme for BTEX; monitoring results indicate that SAPREF’s performance is within the prescribed National Ambient Air Standards.
• SAPREF’s seven product transfer lines were replaced in 2008 with brand new lines. These lines are operated under stringent integrity requirements (for example pressures tests, cathodic protection, and intelligent pigging) to ensure the safe operation of these pipelines.
• In 2012 SAPREF was the first refinery to be awarded the Air Emissions Licence (AEL) in terms of NEMA: AQA (2004).
Despite the above investments, sometimes we do get complaints, and to manage these we have a dedicated toll-free complaints line (0800 330 090) to ensure that complaints are recorded, investigated and prompt feedback is given to complainants. This is enabled by a 24/7 dedicated complaints team — just one of the many ways we are leading the industry in environmental excellence.
Members of SAPREF and the Community Liaison Forum pose with the new air-monitoring vehicle.
Environmental Manager Suleman Asmal puts the R1million Flir camera through its paces. The camera is able to detect fugitive emissions that can’t be seen through a naked eye.
COMMEMORATING 50 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
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